Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The fifth running of the Chubby Cheeks 50k/marathon/JV (20 miler) is set for Saturday December 13th. We'll be sticking to the same format as always, with three routes and three separate start times, in hopes that everyone gets back to HQ sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 for brews, food and good times.

Start times are 7:00, 8:00 & 9:00, so pick a time and a distance that is likely to get you back in good time for the after party at my house.

There will be no course markings this year, so you are encouraged to print out the 50k map. A detailed course description is available here. Alternatively, you can hook up with a local who knows the course, but a map is still probably a good idea.

The 20 mile and marathon routes have shortcuts to the Arthurs trailhead where we hope to have a bit of an aid station. For those running the 20 mile route, the shortcut comes at the T-junction immediately after you enter Lory State Park (12 miles or so, I think). The marathon and 50k go left up to Arthurs Rock via the Howard trail, while the 20 mile drops right into the valley on the Mill Creek Link trail. If you want aid you'll have to hang a left at the Valley Trail and run .1 up to the Arthurs aid station, from where you'll head back to the start/finish.

The marathon shortcut comes after you summit Arthurs Rock. Instead of heading out on the Westridge trail to Timber, you will simply drop directly down to the Arthurs trailhead on the Arthurs Rock trail.

As always, we'll start and end from my house on Overhill Drive, just a half mile from the Horsetooth Trailhead. Look for the banner over the driveway. For those wanting to get out and perform, the current course records are as follows (this is a self-timed run):

JV Men: Justin Mock (3:25)

JV Women: Victoria Funk (5:16)

Marathon Men: Nick Clark: (4:31)

Marathon Women: Darcy Africa (5:10)

Full Chub Men: Johannes Rudolph (5:40)

Full Chub Women: Sarah Hansen (6:45)

It was outrageously cold last year, but the current forecast looks pretty good, so it could be a fast one especially given the total lack of moisture in the 10-day forecast and the currently snow-free trails.

Bring a good attitude, some booze and food to share, and we'll see you next weekend!